I wrote this on the blackboard for my nursing students today. This is their final week of classes. Which means one final opportunity for me to encourage their success. This is my favourite part of teaching psychology. Every time I face a challenge, I imagine how I can translate it into a motivating lesson for my... Continue Reading →
The field of positive psychology has been a blessing for me, both personally and professionally. By focusing on strengths first, I buffer myself against the vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue often associated with the practice of psychology. And in turn, my positive approach heightens the resilience and stress hardiness in others. (Boomerang effect!) Everywhere I go, I'm on the... Continue Reading →
“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” C. S. Lewis When was the last time you had to start over? This was a big week back at St. College College — and all colleges across Ontario. Students were returning to school after a 5 week province-wide strike. An arduous situation that was well beyond... Continue Reading →
Students, past and present, motivate me!"The future of the world is in my classroom today." One of my first year BScN nursing students (Mona on the right) asked if I would sign the psychology textbook that I co-wrote and take a photo with her after class this week. She said that an encouraging note and a picture... Continue Reading →
How can two people experience the same stressful event and react in incredibly different ways? What explains the difference between stress thrivers and non-thrivers? Research shows that some individuals possess a set of resilience skills and traits that allows them to flourish in response to stress. https://youtu.be/czXG8odb7pY Thriving Under Pressure TEDx Talk "Resilience is what gives people the... Continue Reading →
Do you trust the process / evolution of your life? Do you stir the pot before it boils? Do you open the oven before it bakes? Or do you relax on the sofa trusting the recipe and the time it takes? Not long ago, I was interviewed by Adam Rochon on the topic of transformational... Continue Reading →
We all have stress. It’s a universal human experience. The key is to not let stress become our identity. Instead, with an open mindset and the right set of resilience skills we have the opportunity to reach a whole new level of purpose and well-being. How can educators help foster stress resilience in their students? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUh9qqA0x3Y&t=410s Stress... Continue Reading →
The Happiness Question Have you ever wondered why some people remain upbeat and positive despite the chaos that surrounds them while others are utterly miserable even in good times? What explains the difference between these two groups of individuals? Are happy people just lucky people born happy? And unhappy people born miserable? Or is happiness... Continue Reading →
Self-awareness is the starting point for personal success. Until you know who you are, how will you know what truly motivates you? Reawaken your passion for life and enhance your self-esteem by reflecting on “Who you are“. A daily practice in self-discovery and personal responsibility. How would you describe yourself in one word? What are... Continue Reading →
"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rUWGr_GwzhM Need help embracing change but don’t know where to start? Video In my interview on CBC-TV I share 5 positive ways to embrace change using the principles of positive psychology. Article I also... Continue Reading →
Happy International Women's Day! I am grateful for all the women in the world who paved the way. Including my mom. The first psychologist in the family. A role model, mentor, and encourager. Today & Always. Who are grateful for today?
Their will always be critics. Use their words as motivation. Prove them wrong. Focus on your dreams. Not their doubts. https://youtu.be/xwHAgC7AAak Use their words as fuel for inner strength and drive. The world needs your unique kind of wonderful. So don't let the critics get you down. Endurance is not just the ability to bear... Continue Reading →
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J4oL093oU0 I love teaching about psychology as much as I love writing about psychology. And that's a lot! Psychology is my passion Students First Is My Philosophy Which is why I take every opportunity I have to support and encourage student success and development. Whether it be as a reference for college scholarships. Helping stressed out... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/spqoJGxn61A The field of positive psychology has been a blessing for me, both personally and professionally. By focusing on strengths first, I buffer myself against the vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue often associated with the practice of psychology. And in turn, my positive approach heightens the resilience and stress hardiness in others. (Boomerang effect!) Everywhere I go, I'm on... Continue Reading →
https://youtube.com/shorts/zRSQw-LjU8k?feature=share A glimpse of my psychology classroom. Today’s Reminder to Breathe.🌿 Related Post: The Sweet Spot
https://youtu.be/AVLM9VWCkeU?si=QefaAWPnhAh9oWb3 How to focus better when you study Preparation is half the victory. 1. REIGNITE your motivation. Revisit why you are studying in the first place. To one day save someone's life as a nurse. To protect vulnerable children from abuse. To create a business that will employ displaced workers. Your future self will thank... Continue Reading →
"Create a vision for your life that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning!" Why Vision Boards in the Classroom At the beginning of the semester, I ask nursing students to share their reasons "why" they want to become a nurse. Why this program? Why Nursing? This simple "WHY" question gives students... Continue Reading →
Recently, a fellow blogger asked an excellent question regarding tipping points and stress response. They were curious to know if each of us has a tipping point when it comes to stress management. And if so, how does it differ from person to person. I love questions like this because they encourage me to dig deep, reflect,... Continue Reading →
Bittersweet Ending The end of a college semester is always bittersweet. Summer school is no different. The final psychology exam was just this week. And I miss my summer students already. Full disclosure: Psychology is my passion. Pre-Nursing Psychology I am grateful to have met so many wonderful St. Clair College students in the pre-nursing... Continue Reading →
Look for the good and you will find it.💫 Related post: Shine your light.
Strength is hard won. No one can buy it for you. Give it to you. Leave it for you in their will. Strength is built from challenge, from difficulty, from overcoming. When you deprive someone of life's ordinary trials and tribulations by rescuing them each time they fall, you deprive them of their strength, their resilience,... Continue Reading →
Shifting from Extrinsic to Intrinsic Motivation We live in a world that rewards frivolous behaviour with fame and fortune, so it is no wonder that some students expect their motivation to come from the outside, in the same way that reality show contestants expect to win a million dollars, simply by “showing up”. How can... Continue Reading →
Thriving Under Pressure 